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OAS CELEBRATES THE CREATION OF A NEW ELECTORAL REGISTRY FOR BOLIVIA AND HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE

  October 15, 2009

The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, has congratulated the citizens of Bolivia who, after months of intense activity, have successfully concluded the process of voter registration in their country.

“This success, which exceeded all forecasts, corroborates the firm commitment of Bolivians with democracy, and has become an example for the entire region,” said Pablo Gutiérrez, Director of Electoral Cooperation and Observation of the OAS.

“The National Electoral Court (CNE) and the Departmental Courts have, through their directive bodies, officials and collaborators, met with professionalism the obligations that the law imposes on them. Thanks to their combined effort they have met the expectations of the Bolivian people, allowing it to make use of a modern registration system that doubtless strengthens democracy in the country. The new technology allows the authorities not only to rely on a more complete registry but also, in light of the results, allows a greater number of Bolivians to participate actively in the future electoral processes,” the high official added.

From the beginning, the OAS committed itself to assist Bolivians in meeting this challenge. Beginning in May of this year, the Organization has been present in the country through different missions offering technical support, and has offered such support in the entire territory in a constant way since July, collaborating with the electoral authority in the steps of planning, implementation, logistics, follow-up, information security, social communication and mobilization.

“The OAS now invites citizens to continue to demonstrate their civil spirit, participating in a massive way in the elections of December 6. The Organization of American States is committed to the Bolivian process and will be present in the country beginning in November through a mission of electoral observation,” he concluded.

The OAS representatives in Bolivia will offer a Press Conference to explain the workings of the new system at 10 a.m. Friday, La Paz time, in the Hotel Camino Real de Sopocachi, at 2123 Capitán Ravelo St.

Reference: E-340/09